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Wisconsin Basic Power of Attorney

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WISCONSIN BASIC POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR FINANCES AND PROPERTY

(Wisconsin Statutes 243.10)

NOTICE: THIS IS AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT. BEFORE SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT, YOU SHOULD KNOW THESE IMPORTANT FACTS. BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT, YOU ARE NOT GIVING UP ANY POWERS OR RIGHTS TO CONTROL YOUR FINANCES AND PROPERTY YOURSELF. IN ADDITION TO YOUR OWN POWERS AND RIGHTS, YOU ARE GIVING ANOTHER PERSON, YOUR AGENT, BROAD POWERS TO HANDLE YOUR FINANCES AND PROPERTY.

THIS BASIC POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR FINANCES AND PROPERTY MAY GIVE THE PERSON WHOM YOU DESIGNATE (YOUR "AGENT") BROAD POWERS TO HANDLE YOUR FINANCES AND PROPERTY, WHICH MAY INCLUDE POWERS TO ENCUMBER, SELL OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF ANY REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE TO YOU OR APPROVAL BY YOU. THE POWERS WILL EXIST AFTER YOU BECOME DISABLED, OR INCAPACITATED, IF YOU CHOOSE THAT PROVISION. THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT AUTHORIZE ANYONE TO MAKE MEDICAL OR OTHER HEALTH CARE DECISIONS FOR YOU.

IF YOU OWN COMPLEX OR SPECIAL ASSETS SUCH AS A BUSINESS, OR IF THERE IS ANYTHING ABOUT THIS FORM THAT YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND, YOU SHOULD ASK A LAWYER TO EXPLAIN THIS FORM TO YOU BEFORE YOU SIGN IT.

IF YOU WISH TO CHANGE YOUR BASIC POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR FINANCES AND PROPERTY, YOU MUST COMPLETE A NEW DOCUMENT AND REVOKE THIS ONE. YOU MAY REVOKE THIS DOCUMENT AT ANY TIME BY DESTROYING IT, BY DIRECTING ANOTHER PERSON TO DESTROY IT IN YOUR PRESENCE OR BY SIGNING A WRITTEN AND DATED STATEMENT EXPRESSING YOUR INTENT TO REVOKE THIS DOCUMENT. IF YOU REVOKE THIS DOCUMENT, YOU SHOULD NOTIFY YOUR AGENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON TO WHOM YOU HAVE GIVEN A COPY OF THE FORM.

I appoint as my agent to act for me in any lawful way with respect to the powers initialed below.

If the person appointed is unable or unwilling to act as my agent, I appoint to act for me in any lawful way with respect to the powers initialed below.

TO GRANT ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING POWERS, INITIAL THE LINE IN FRONT OF EACH POWER YOU ARE GRANTING. TO WITHHOLD A POWER, DO NOT INITIAL THE LINE IN FRONT OF IT. YOU MAY, BUT NEED NOT, CROSS OUT EACH POWER WITHHELD.

Handling My Money and Property

1. PAYMENTS OF BILLS: My agent may make payments that are necessary or appropriate in connection with the administration of my affairs.

2. BANKING: My agent may conduct business with financial institutions, including endorsing all checks and drafts made payable to my order and collecting the proceeds; signing in my name checks or orders on all accounts in my name or for my benefit; withdrawing funds from accounts in my name; opening accounts in my name; and entering into and removing articles from my safe deposit box.

3. INSURANCE: My agent may obtain insurance of all types, as considered necessary or appropriate, settle and adjust insurance claims and borrow from insurers and 3rd parties using insurance policies as collateral.

4. ACCOUNTS: My agent may ask for, collect and receive money, dividends, interest, legacies and property due or that may become due and owing to me and give receipt for those payments.

5. REAL ESTATE: My agent may manage real property; sell, convey and mortgage realty for prices and on terms as considered advisable; foreclose mortgages and take title to property in my name; and execute deeds, mortgages, releases, satisfactions and other instruments relating to realty.

6. BORROWING: My agent may borrow money and encumber my assets for loans as considered necessary.

7. SECURITIES: My agent may buy, sell, pledge and exchange securities of all kinds in my name; sign and deliver in my name transfers and assignments of securities; and consent in my name to reorganizations, mergers or exchange of securities for new securities.

8. INCOME TAXES: My agent may make and sign tax returns; represent me in all income tax matters before any federal, state, or local tax collecting agency; and receive confidential information and perform any acts that I may perform, including receiving refund checks and the signing of returns.

9. TRUSTS: My agent may transfer at any time any of my property to a living trust that has been established by me before the execution of this document.

Professional and Technical Assistance

10. LEGAL ACTIONS: My agent may retain attorneys on my behalf; appear for me in all actions and proceedings to which I may be a party; commence actions and proceedings in my name; and sign in my name all documents or pleadings of every description.

11. PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE: My agent may hire accountants, attorneys, clerks, workers and others for the management, preservation and protection of my property and estate.

General Authority

12. GENERAL: My agent may do any act or thing that I could do in my own proper person if personally present, including managing or selling tangible assets, disclaiming a probate or nonprobate inheritance and providing support for a minor child or dependent adult. The specifically enumerated powers of the basic power of attorney for finances and property are not a limitation of this intended broad general power except that my agent may not take any action prohibited by law and my agent under this document may not:

a. Make medical or health care decisions for me.

b. Make, modify or revoke a will for me.

c. Other than a burial trust agreement under section 445.125, Wisconsin Statutes, enter into a trust agreement on my behalf or amend or revoke a trust agreement, entered into by me.

d. Change any beneficiary designation of any life insurance policy, qualified retirement plan, individual retirement account or payable on death account or the like whether directly or by canceling and replacing the policy or rollover to another plan or account.

e. Forgive debts owed to me or disclaim or waive benefits payable to me, except a probate or nonprobate inheritance.

f. Appoint a substitute or successor agent for me.

g. Make gifts.

Compensation to Agent From Principal's Funds

13. compensation. My agent may receive compensation only in an amount not greater than that usual for the services to be performed if expressly authorized in the special instructions portion of this document.

Accounting

14. accounting. My agent shall render an accounting (monthly) (quarterly) (annually) (CIRCLE ONE) to me or to during my lifetime and a final accounting to the personal representative of my estate, if any is appointed, after my death.

Nomination of Guardian

15. GUARDIAN: If necessary, I nominate as guardian of my person and I nominate as guardian of my estate.

Special Instructions

16. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

ON THE FOLLOWING LINES YOU MAY GIVE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE POWERS GRANTED TO YOUR AGENT.

TO ESTABLISH WHEN, AND FOR HOW LONG, THE BASIC POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR FINANCES AND PROPERTY IS IN EFFECT, YOU MUST INITIAL ONLY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING 3 OPTIONS. IF YOU DO NOT INITIAL ONE, OR IF YOU INITIAL MORE THAN ONE, THIS BASIC POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR FINANCES AND PROPERTY WILL NOT TAKE EFFECT.

This basic power of attorney for finances and property becomes effective when I sign it and will continue in effect as a durable power of attorney under section 243.07, Wisconsin Statutes, if I become disabled or incapacitated.

This basic power of attorney for finances and property becomes effective only when both of the following apply:

a. I have signed it; and

b. I become disabled or incapacitated.

This basic power of attorney for finances and property becomes effective when I sign it but will cease to be effective if I become disabled or incapacitated.

I agree that any 3rd party who receives a copy of this document may act under it. Revocation of this basic power of attorney is not effective as to a 3rd party until the 3rd party learns of the revocation. I agree to reimburse the 3rd party for any loss resulting from claims that arise against the 3rd party because of reliance on this basic power of attorney.

Signed this day of , 20.

(Your Signature)

(Your Social Security Number)

By signing as a witness, I am acknowledging the signature of the principal who signed in my presence and the presence of the other witness, and the fact that he or she has stated that this power of attorney reflects his or her wishes and is being executed voluntarily. I believe him or her to be of sound mind and capable of creating this power of attorney. I am not related to him or her by blood, marriage or adoption, and, to the best of my knowledge, I am not entitled to any portion of his or her estate under his or her will.

Printed Name:

Address:

Signature:

Date:

Printed Name:

Address:

Signature:

Date:

State of Wisconsin

County of

This document was acknowledged before me on (date) by .

(Signature of Notarial Officer)

(Title)

My commission is permanent or expires:

BY ACCEPTING OR ACTING UNDER THE APPOINTMENT, THE AGENT ASSUMES THE FIDUCIARY AND OTHER LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND LIABILITIES OF AN AGENT.

(Name of Agent)

(Signature of Agent)

This document was drafted by:

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What the Wisconsin Basic Power of Attorney Is

A Wisconsin Basic Power of Attorney is a written instrument in which a principal names an agent to manage financial, property, or administrative matters on the principal’s behalf. The document can be limited or broad in scope, and may include durable language to remain effective if the principal becomes incapacitated. Third parties commonly require an original or notarized copy before accepting the agent’s authority. This guide explains typical fields, notarization and witness considerations, retention, and e-signature options relevant to Wisconsin.

Why a Wisconsin Basic Power of Attorney Matters

A properly drafted and executed POA ensures someone you trust can access accounts, pay bills, and handle transactions when you cannot. Clear powers and formal execution reduce the risk of third-party refusal, delays, and potential litigation.

Why a Wisconsin Basic Power of Attorney Matters

Who Typically Prepares and Relies on This Document

Typical users include individuals planning incapacity, older adults, and people with mobility or travel constraints.

  • Individual principals who want a trusted agent for finances and property management.
  • Family members coordinating caregiving, benefits, and bill payment for an incapacitated relative.
  • Legal and financial professionals who need a clear, enforceable authorization to act on behalf of a client.

Professionals who interact with POAs include attorneys, bank officers, and long-term care administrators.

Key Sections to Include in a Professional Wisconsin POA

A clear POA groups authorities, limitations, effective date, durability, successor agents, and execution blocks so third parties can quickly verify authority and scope.

Caption

Identify the document as a Power of Attorney, name the principal and agent, and include mailing addresses to avoid identity confusion for banks and providers.

Grant of Powers

List specific authorities (banking, real property, tax, benefits) and avoid vague phrases; third parties rely on explicit enumerations to accept agent actions.

Durability Clause

State whether the POA remains effective upon the principal’s incapacity. Durable language prevents unintended termination when incapacity occurs.

Effective Date

Specify an effective date or triggering event (immediate or springing) to remove ambiguity about when the agent’s authority begins.

Successor Agents

Name alternate agents and the order of succession in case the primary agent is unwilling or unable to serve.

Execution Block

Include principal signature, date, notary acknowledgement, and witness lines where required to satisfy third-party and state formalities.

Security and Compliance Considerations

Encryption: AES-256 at rest
Transport Security: TLS 1.2/1.3
Audit Trail: Timestamps and IP logs
Authentication: Multi-factor options
Health Data: BAA required for HIPAA
Standards: ESIGN and UETA compliant

Step-by-Step: Filling Out a Wisconsin Basic Power of Attorney

Follow a consistent sequence to reduce errors and acceptance delays when presenting the POA to banks or other third parties.

  • 01
    1. Identify parties: Enter principal and agent full legal names and addresses.
  • 02
    2. Define powers: Select or list specific authorities the agent will have.
  • 03
    3. Set effective date: Choose immediate or springing trigger and record the date.
  • 04
    4. Execute formally: Have the principal sign before a notary and any required witnesses.

How to Configure an Online POA Workflow

Set up fields and signer roles so the online signing flow mirrors the paper execution process and preserves evidentiary value.

Field Configuration
Principal Signature Require signature and date fields; make signer role principal.
Agent Acceptance Add acceptance checkbox and signature for agent if needed.
Notary Block Include a notary acknowledgement area and space for seal image.
ID Attachment Require upload of government ID for stronger authentication.

Where to Send the Executed POA

After execution, distribute the original or certified copy to parties who will rely on the agent’s authority.

  • Give to the Agent: Provide the agent with the original POA and certified copies for banks and providers.
  • Banks and Financials: Deliver notarized copy to account custodians and mortgage servicers as required.
  • Legal Advisor: Share a copy with your attorney for file retention and future amendments.
  • Healthcare and Benefits: Provide relevant institutions copies when agent will manage benefits or pay medical bills.

Digital Signing and File Compatibility

Ensure the signing platform supports secure e-signatures, notarization workflows, and standard file types before uploading a POA.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX accepted
  • Integrations: Connects to Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
  • Authenticator: SMS, email, and ID verification

Timing and Important Dates to Note

Timing affects when authority begins and when revocation takes effect; document the dates clearly to avoid disputes.

Effective Date:

Record MM/DD/YYYY or specify trigger event for clarity.

Notarization Date:

Date the notary fills in the acknowledgement on signing day.

Delivery to Institutions:

Provide institutions with a certified copy when immediate access is required.

Revocation Date:

Document and sign any revocation and notify third parties promptly.

Record Retention:

Keep originals for the duration of agent authority and required retention period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving the powers section vague, which can cause banks or vendors to refuse to recognize the agent.
  • Failing to include durable language when incapacity protection is intended, resulting in unintended termination.
  • Not getting the document notarized when third parties expect a notarized or certified original copy.
  • Omitting successor agent names, which can leave no backup if the primary agent cannot serve.

Risks and Consequences of an Incorrect POA

Invalidation Risk: Document may be rejected
Financial Loss: Unauthorized transactions possible
Agent Misuse: Fraud or mismanagement risk
Legal Fees: Costs to litigate authority
Third-Party Refusal: Banks may decline to accept
Delay in Access: Restrictions on account management

eSignature Pricing Snapshot for Executing a POA

Basic pricing and feature availability across common e-signature providers; signNow appears first as the primary reference for plan-level cost comparison.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes (Business Premium) Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Envelope Cap No envelope cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin POAs

Answers to common execution, acceptance, and revocation questions to help prevent delays and refusals.


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